Caring for Your Vehicle Wraps!
To keep your vehicle wraps and graphics in top condition, treat them with the same care as a high-quality paint finish. Use vehicle-specific products and follow these general cleaning and maintenance guidelines!
1. Wash Regularly
- Wash your vehicle whenever it looks dirty. Dirt and contaminants left on the wrap for too long may become difficult to remove and could damage the material.
- Rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible using a gentle water spray.
- Refer to section 4, "Difficult Contaminants," for spot-cleaning tips on bird droppings, tar, etc.
- Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To minimise water spotting, use a silicone squeegee to remove excess water, then finish with a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Automated Car Washes
- Avoid brush-type car washes as they are abrasive and can cause the film edges to lift or chip, and dull its appearance.
- Opt for brushless car washes, but hand washing is always preferable.
3. Pressure Washing
- Hand washing is always recommended, but if you must use a pressure washer, follow these guidelines:
- Keep water pressure below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
- Keep water temperature below 80°C (180°F).
- Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide-angle spray pattern.
- Keep the nozzle at least 1 meter (1000 mm) away from and perpendicular (90 degrees) to the surface.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Holding the nozzle at an angle may lift the edges of the film. Pressure washing is generally not recommended; if you choose to use it, proceed with caution.
4. Difficult Contaminants
- Soften difficult contaminants (tar, bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap) by soaking them in hot, soapy water for several minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For deeper cleaning, test an appropriate high-quality bug or tar remover, or a citrus-based cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (two parts IPA to one part water) or denatured alcohol may also help with stubborn grime.
- Always spot clean contaminants and avoid rough scrubbing.
5. Fuel Spills
- Wipe fuel spills off immediately as they can quickly degrade the vinyl and adhesive. Wash, rinse, and dry (as per Item 1) as soon as possible.
6. Store Indoors or Undercover When Possible
- Store your vehicle in a garage or shaded area to protect the wrap film from sun exposure and environmental pollutants, particularly on horizontal surfaces like the bonnet, boot lid, and roof.
- At night, protect your vehicle from rain and dew, which may contain acidic pollutants. If no garage or covered area is available, use a cloth car cover.
- If the wrap film starts to discolour or turn brown due to acidic pollution, have a professional remove the wrap film immediately to prevent staining the underlying paint.
7. Restoration
- Do not use abrasive polishes or cutting compounds.
- Avoid polishing or wax products on matte or textured films.
By following these steps, you can ensure your
vehicle wraps remain in excellent condition!